Chapter 7

(The night before Halloween and Halloween night)

Harley's POV:

I had just finished getting dressed for dinner with my grandmother after a long afternoon of tutoring and my homework and a weekend of helping Steve and Two-Bit with their homework and helping Soda with his GED course homework in between his shifts at the DX. I was walking across the street to meet with the gang at the Curtis house where Darry and Soda were getting out of the car after their shifts. "Hey, Motorbike!" Soda said while putting me in a headlock. "Let the kid go, Soda," Darry chided as he got out of the driver's side of the truck. Soda quickly let me go as I doubled over trying to get my breath back. "Can I talk to you for a moment?" Soda asked me in a serious tone. That is a tone that I never thought I would hear out of Soda. I gave him a quizzical look. "Is everything ok?" I asked Soda with concern. Soda glanced back at Darry with nervousness. "I was wondering if I could talk to you in private about something." Darry took the hint and walked inside the house. Soda sat down on the front steps and I sat down beside him with a concerned look. "I was thinking about going to technical school next year with Steve next year for auto-mechanics and I was wondering if you could help me out if it isn't too much or too late?" I chuckled in response and gave him a smirk. Unbeknownst to my group I had binders in my desk at home with research about their interests so I could talk to them about it. I had also noticed that Soda always seemed to show some interest in the way I was helping out Steve with his application and his application for scholarships even though he tried to hide it. I had already started putting together application material for him just in case this moment occurred and started writing a rough draft of his scholarship application essays for him. I've also created an SAT/ACT study binder for Darry if he ever decided he wanted to go back to school after Pony was out of the house, but that was for another time. "What's so funny?" Soda asked me. "Let me show you," I said sheepishly as I walked towards my house.

Soda followed me into my bedroom. "How many times has Pony been in this room?" Soda joked. I blushed. "Never, no one in the gang has been in my room, let alone my house until now," I said sheepishly. Soda stared at me in shock. "I guess I never realized we never came over here, I'm just surprised Pony hasn't," Soda said. "Pony and Darry were here to help move in but that's about it," I said with a shrug. "I just want to avoid my parents and Ford." I went over to the bookshelf by my desk and pulled out a binder that I had labeled Sodapop. "Wait, you have a binder dedicated to me?" Soda said with a twinkle in his eye as he elbowed me. "I have one for each member of the gang," I explained. "I wanted to research what interests everyone so that I could talk to everyone. I also noticed that you were trying to hide that you were listening in on my conversations with Steve about trade school so I already started the application for you and a draft of a letter for scholarships." I pulled out a stack of papers and held them out to Soda for him to grab. He just stared out at me wide-eyed and then all of a sudden he picked me up and twirled me around. "I can't believe you would do something like this for me," Soda said with tears in his eyes. "I really appreciate it." I shrugged. "It's no big deal," I said meekly. "It's nothing after you guys helped me out since I've gotten here and treated me like family. I've started a test prep binder for Darry if he is ever interested in going back to school after Pony is gone. I've been eyeing some sports management programs and physical therapy programs for him because of his love for sports. I even started looking at technical programs for Two-Bit if he is ever interested," I said with a chuckle. Soda and I went back to his house to meet the gang to head out to my grandmother's for dinner.

Later that evening….

Everyone in the gang loved my grandmother's food, especially her homemade spaghetti, but no one loved it more than Two-Bit. That wasn't a surprise though. I could tell by my grandmother's face that she always loved us coming over since she was lonely. She didn't mind having a bunch of rowdy Greasers at her table. "You know, you guys are welcome anytime," my grandmother told the gang. "Also, if you ever need help with anything, just let me know." She gave each of us a stern glance to make sure we knew she meant it. "Thanks, Mrs. Adams," Darry said courteously. After dinner, my grandmother pulled out the Soc clothes that she got for us for the next night. "Now, I want you all to come over here tomorrow night to show off for me, ok," my grandmother said. "It would also make sense for you guys to be out and about in this neighborhood in those costumes," she said with a smirk. This caused Steve and Two-Bit both to burst out in laughter. It turns out that my dear old grandmother had the same sense of humor as two Greasers. Who knew? I couldn't wait until tomorrow night.

Halloween night…

I was super excited to be wearing the costumes tonight. Halloween was always one of my favorite nights of the year because it allowed me to be someone else for a night and forget about it for a night. Well, until Ford usually ruins it. Thankfully, Ford had football practice and then he was going out with the football team. The football team was preparing for sectionals so they were going hard, which was good for me because I saw him less. I hoped today would be the same. What my grandmother got me was a light green and white plaid dress with a matching headband and socks. She had also got me some shiny white flats to go with it as well. I quickly put on some makeup and shimmed out of my window just in case anybody was home. I couldn't wait to see Pony and how cute he would look in his outfit. I finally got enough courage and walked into the Curtis house.

Darry was standing in the kitchen cleaning up the dishes from dinner wearing a letterman jacket from his football days paired with the collared light blue shirt and khaki colored dress pants with and dress shoes that my grandmother got him. My grandmother made sure to match his eye color. I think my grandmother might have a soft spot for him. "Looking good Darry," I said as I leaned against the door frame of the kitchen. I must have scared him because Darry turned around quickly with wide eyes. "Jesus Christ, Harley, I didn't hear you come in," Darry said while trying to catch his breath. Then he looked me up and down. "Damn, you clean up nice though," Darry said with a smile. "Pony won't be able to keep his hands off of you, even if I tried to stop him." This caused me to blush. Steve and Two-Bit stumbled out of Darry's bedroom just coming from changing. Two-Bit had a chocolate-colored collared shirt with a red bowtie, black slacks, red socks, and black dress shoes. While Steve had a gray-collared shirt, a navy blue letterman sweater on top, gray pants and socks, and navy dress shoes. "Dang Motorbike," Steve said with a wolfish smile. "You're looking mighty good." Two-Bit nodded in agreement and whistled a wolf whistle. Soda came out from his and Pony's bedroom when he heard the commotion. Soda had a gold collared shirt, a red letter-man sweater, black pants, and dress shoes. "What did I miss," Soda said out of breath as he ran out of his room. "Nothing," Darry said with a sigh. "Just Two-Bit and Steve ogling Harley." Soda's eyes darted over me and he raised an eyebrow. "It looks like your grandmother made sure you and Pony matched," Soda said with a smirk. I blushed. Of course, she did, my grandmother never missed anything. She was very perceptive and she must have realized that Pony and I were a couple without me telling her.

Pony at the mention of his name came out. My heart fluttered as I saw him. Pony had his hair slicked back, a light green and white plaid collared shirt, light green pants with a white belt, socks that matched the shirt, and white dress shoes. Pony made eye contact with me and we both blushed. "You look great Harley," Pony said as he caressed my cheek. "So do you," I murmured back. I heard Two-Bit gag behind us. "Get a room," Steve said exasperated. Darry just chuckled. "Let's get a move on," Darry said.

We all drove over to my grandmother's neck of the woods. My grandmother fawned over us when we showed up at her house and made sure to take photos of us and said she would make sure we got copies of the pictures. The gang couldn't wait to hit the Soc side of town though. We seemed to blend in quite well into this side of town for a wild until we ran into a group of football players, and Ford.

I felt my heart drop. Hopefully, they won't recognize us, I thought nervously. The rest of the gang didn't seem to notice who we ran into. Pony must have seen me tense up because I felt his arm wrap around me and squeeze me. "What's the matter?" Pony asked me with concern. "Ford," I whispered. Pony stopped dead in his tracks. "Why did you guys stop?" Two-Bit asked, his voice starting to slur with too much alcohol. "Ford and his pack," Pony said. "It's ok guys," Darry said. "As long as we don't provoke them, we will be fine." If only it were that simple. Then my heart dropped, Ford turned around and noticed us.

"Well, well, well," Ford said with a slur. "If it ain't my baby sister and her group of misfits." This went from bad to worse. Ford's drunk. Nothing good ever happens especially when he is drunk. I gulped. "Trying to fit in, or are you making fun of us?" Ford said with anger brimming in his eyes. "We are just pretending to be someone we aren't for tonight, just the same as everybody else," Darry said to try and reason with Ford. It doesn't seem to be working though. "It doesn't look like it," Ford said with a sneer. Then I saw Ken put a hand on Ford's shoulder to try and calm him down. "Just leave them alone, it's just an innocent joke Ford," Ken said softly. "Won't don't you listen to your friend," Steve said with a sneer. Ford took a step forward to what appeared to aim at Steve but then pivoted, looked between me and Pony, smiled, and punched Pony. He must have connected the dots in our coordinated outfits and realized we were together. Ford might not be the brightest bulb in the shed but he wasn't stupid. He had eyes. My blood boiled over. "Don't you dare touch him!" I shrieked as Pony fell to the ground. I jumped onto Ford's back and started pounding on his head with all my might. "This is between you and me!" But it didn't matter, it had turned into a whole out rumble between my gang and Ford and his Soc gang. Everyone was wailing on each other. I lost track of time as Ford and I were pummeling each other and scratching at each other, but before I knew it I heard a wail of police sirens. This caused everyone to break apart and run for the hills.

We all arrived back at the Curtis house all worse for wear, but I was mostly concerned about Pony because of his history with the Socs and what happened last year. I pulled Pony onto his bed and started looking over him from head to toe. "You feeling ok," I asked Pony with concern as I patched up some cuts on his face and brushed away a tear. "I'm ok, I'll be ok," Pony said with a whisper. "I was scared, mostly for you." That made my heart stop. Why was he so worried about me? What about him? "How are you feeling?" Pony asked trying to redirect the conversation. "I'm fine, nothing I haven't dealt with before," I said with a sigh. "I just need you to be more concerned about yourselves. You know the whole gang cares about you and we love you. I love you Ponyboy." I had to catch my breath because I had started rambling. Pony looked at me in shock. "I love you too," Pony said.

The rest of the night was a blur. Everyone was talking about the results of the rumble and the punches they landed. All and all it was a good ending for an otherwise crappy Halloween. But I had so many of those. All thanks to Ford. I just hope he doesn't remember anything tomorrow. I had to say goodbye and head back home to get some sleep before school tomorrow.

Soda's POV (Night before Halloween):

It had been a long day at the DX, but I couldn't wait for dinner tonight and Halloween tomorrow. I always enjoyed Mrs. Adams's monthly dinners and I think she enjoyed our company too. It reminded me of family dinners when our parents were alive, which caused tears to well up in my eyes, but I quickly brushed those away. I thought about the conversation that I needed to have with Harley. I think I need to make the next step after I get my GED and start taking classes around my schedule to get my mechanics license and go to technical school. I felt bad about hiding this from Darry, but I didn't want to get too far ahead of myself if I didn't get in. Then I saw Darry pull up.

"How was your day, little buddy?" Darry asked me wearily. He must have had a long day too. "Too long," I complained as I got into the car. "But at least we got the dinner tonight at Mrs. Adams's house. I always love her food. It reminds me though of what dinners used to be like with Mom, Dad, Johnny, and Dally." I was met with silence from Darry. Shit… I shouldn't have brought that up. Stupid Soda. "I agree," Darry mumbled. I could tell he was lost in thought though. "How was your day Darry?" I asked trying to change the subject. "Just peachy," Darry said sarcastically. "Just want the next couple of days to be over with. I'm not quite sure what to expect without costumes and the reception." ….Ding. He doesn't want another blow-up with the Socs, especially after last year. That's what is with the hostility. We pulled up into the driveway and I saw Harley making her way towards us from her house. Bruises still ever present over her face and arms. Does this girl ever get a break? Do her parents even care? This reminds me too much of Johnny.

As Darry parked the car, I jumped out and shouted at Harley. "Hey, Motorbike!" I said while putting Harley in a headlock. "Let the kid go, Soda," Darry chided as he got out of the driver's side of the truck. I rolled my eyes. Typical Darry, always ruining my fun. I quickly let Harley go and she doubled over to catch her breath. Her ribs must be bothering her mighty bed. Ford must have hurt her ribs again. "Can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked Harley in a serious tone, but underneath I was nervous. Hopefully, she agrees to help me with my application. I don't want to be left behind. I want to be able to do something. Harley gave me a quizzical look, obviously concerned about me. "Is everything ok?" Harley asked me with concern. I glanced back at Darry with nervousness. I don't want him here for this. Hopefully, he doesn't think it's weird I want to talk to Harley/ "I was wondering if I could talk to you in private about something," I continued. Darry took the hint and walked inside the house. Thank God! If it was Pony he probably wouldn't have done that so easily. I sat down on the front steps and Harly sat down beside me with a concerned look. "I was thinking about going to technical school next year with Steve next year for auto-mechanics and I was wondering if you could help me out if it isn't too much or too late?" I asked Harley. Harley chuckled in response and gave me a smirk. Why is she laughing at me? Was it something I said? Do I have something on my face? "What's so funny?" I asked Harley. "Let me show you," Harley said sheepishly as she walked towards her house.

I followed Harley to her house. It was weird going into her house because oddly I had never been in it before. I don't think any of us had besides Pony and Darry when they helped move them in a couple of months ago. The house had an eclectic array of old worn-out furniture and appliances all over the place that didn't quite go together. The house didn't really look like it was lived in much. As I thought about it, the Coopers were always at work until late, Ford was always at practice and with his Soc friends, and Harley was always at school, the library, tutoring kids, and our house. They probably only had dinner there sometimes and slept. I followed Harley into her room. Wow.. this room was insanely decorated. There were movie posters plastered all over the wall. There was a corkboard hanging over her desk that had newspaper clippings about murders and other crimes pinned all over it. Not creepy at all. Her bed was a twin bed that was navy and had a plaid pattern on it and was worn out. I also saw a stack of what appeared to be research papers that she had written strewn all over her desk. Now I can see the similarities between the two. Both were passionate about a subject. Pony his writing, and Harley her murder research and investigation. They both liked movies. I noticed that Harley had gone over to the bookshelf that was next to her desk which was lined with binders that had each of the gang's names written in her bulky messy handwriting. Not creepy at all. Harley pulled out a binder with my name on it and flipped to a bunch of documents in the middle of it.

Wait, you have a binder dedicated to me?" I asked trying to play down my nervousness. "I have one for each member of the gang," Harley explained like it was totally normal. Not like it was potential serial killer behavior. "I wanted to research what interests everyone so that I could talk to everyone. I also noticed that you were trying to hide that you were listening in on my conversations with Steve about trade school so I already started the application for you and a draft of a letter for scholarships," Harley continued. That still doesn't make it less weird. But then I realized how badly she just wanted to fit in and wanted a family. It made me feel bad for her, but loved her more for wanting to try so hard to be a good friend. But when did she have the time to do all of this for me? Why did she do this? Harley pulled out a stack of papers and held them out to me. I just stared out at her wide-eyed and then I picked her up and twirled Harley around. "I can't believe you would do something like this for me," Soda said with tears in his eyes. "I really appreciate it." I shrugged. "It's no big deal," Harley said meekly. "It's nothing after you guys helped me out since I've gotten here and treated me like family. I've started a test prep binder for Darry if he is ever interested in going back to school after Pony is gone. I've been eyeing some sports management programs and physical therapy programs for him because of his love for sports. I even started looking at technical programs for Two-Bit if he is ever interested," Harley said with a chuckle. This big-brained, wonderful girl. No wonder Pony loved her so. Harley and I went back to his house to meet the gang to head out to her grandmother's for dinner.

Pony's POV (Halloween Night):

All day I kept thinking about Harley and how much she had changed my life since she had gotten here only two short months ago. She seemed to really get me and understand me on a different level compared to my brothers. It was also nice to have someone to talk to almost like Johnny, but not quite like Johnny. Nobody could replace Johnny …. Or Dally for that matter. Harley was as close as you could get though. Harley also added a sort of levity to the group and a sort of grounding to the group, that we hadn't had in a long time. She kept us centered and looking forward to the possibilities. As I was finishing my homework, Two-Bit pulled up to pick me up from track practice, late as usual. "Hop in kid, we need to get hoppin' if we want to get out to Grandma Adams' side of town," Two-Bit shouted as he leaned out of the window. I rolled my eyes. Typical Two-Bit. He seemed to love Ms. Adams a lot, but I think mostly because of all the decadent food she gave us. Now that I thought about it, everyone in the gang loved Ms. Adams for a different reason. Darry loved her for a chance to relax and not be the adult in the room, Soda for having some sort of mother figure back in our lives, Steve loved her for understanding his type of humor, Harley for giving her a safety net, and I loved her for understanding my creativity and listening to my point of view on the world. I hopped into Two-Bits car to go home.

"How is the tutoring going, Two-Bit," I asked honestly interested. "It's going better than I thought it would," Two-Bit said to my surprise. "Motorbike tailors the tutoring for both me, Steve, and Soda so that it is explained in a way that makes sense, for example using analogies to connect what we are learning to our everyday lives. I have never had that done for me before. It means a lot." That was good to hear and it showed in Two-Bits grades. He was getting B's and some C's now. "How is the dating going between you and Motorbike," Two-Bit asked me while waggling his eyebrows at me. "Knock it off Two-Bit," I said with a chuckle and punching him in the shoulder. "It's going good. We are just taking it slow and not putting a lot of pressure on each other and are just being there for each other." Two-Bit smiled at me. Then we pulled up in front of the house. Soda and Darry wouldn't be here for another hour and Steve was just pulling up behind us.

An hour later, Darry and Soda wandered into the house to Steve, Two-Bit, and me doing homework after coming home from work. "Wow," Soda said surprised. "That is a sight I thought I would ever see. Steve and Two-Bit doing homework of their own free will. Pony what did you do to them?" I smirked at Soda. "You're the one to talk. You are studying to get a GED," I said with a chuckle. "That's true," Soda said while grabbing a beer from the fridge. There was something Soda was holding back, but I couldn't place a finger on it. I decided to drop it. Whenever he was ready to say it, he would. I thought Two-Bit couldn't have gotten any weirder today he said, "You know, I think I want to go to technical school and be a plumber." Everybody stopped what they were doing and stared at Two-Bit with their mouths agape. "Since when?" Steve asked in shock. "Since now," Two-Bit said with conviction. "Well, you should talk to Harley," Soda said. "She might have a few things up her sleeve." "What does that mean?" I ask with suspicion. This caused Sodapop to stammer and blush. "What is it, little buddy?" Darry asked him. "I might've said something to Harley about going to technical school yesterday and joining Steve to be a mechanic," Soda mumbled and looked at his feet. "That's what I was asking Harley yesterday in private before we went to dinner. She has a stack of binders with all of our names on them filled with scholarship applications, rough drafts of applications started, and studying material. She also has research on our interests so she can better talk to us about them." So that is how she knows so much about Paul Newman. That's also kind of weird she hasn't said anything. "She does have some technical school application drafts started for you Two-Bit just in case," Soda continued. Soda then looked at Darry and said, "She also has ACT/SAT material for you in case you decide you want to apply to college again." This caused Darry to go pale. "That's sweet of her," Darry said to himself and then he shuffled away to his bedroom embarrassed. After we finished homework, we decided to go and get changed into our Halloween costumes.

I picked up the nice clothes that Mrs. Adams got for us and held them up to the light. "These are the nicest clothes we've ever had," I committed. "They sure are," Soda mumbled. He was obviously still embarrassed about mentioning he wanted to go to technical school. "Why didn't you tell Darry and me that you were thinking about technical school?" I asked Soda with concern. Soda turned red in the face. "I just wasn't entirely sure if I could get in or if I should apply," Soda said meekly. "I also wasn't sure if we could afford it, but I think my hopes are a little more up because Harley found some scholarships for me to help out." "You know we would have supported you no matter what, right?" I asked. "I know," Soda said. "I was just nervous." Soda was pulling on the red letterman jacket that Mrs. Adams got him. "Why do you think Harley hid the fact that she had binders for all of us?" I asked Soda. Soda looked at me in surprise. "I think she wanted to feel like she could be helpful and a good friend if she helped us and showed interest in our interests," Soda said. "I think she hasn't had any good friends before or a real family so this is her way of making sure she can hold onto that, by helping us out and being invested in us." This made my heart twinge in sadness thinking about it. We were her only family. I heard a commotion going on outside, which meant that the others must be ready to go and Harley must be here. The noise caused Soda to run out to the living room. I knew I had to hurry up and put on my costume.

I looked at myself in the mirror when I heard my name being said and I decided to walk out to the kitchen. When I looked up at Harley, my heart skipped a beat. She was wearing a light green and white plaid dress with a matching headband and socks and some shiny white flats. Then I looked down at myself and noticed that her grandmother had coordinated our outfits which made me blush. Shit, her grandmother must know we are a couple. I walked up to Harley and kissed her on the cheek. "You look great Harley," I said as he caressed Harley's cheek. "So do you," Harley murmured back. I heard Two-Bit gag behind us. "Get a room," Steve said exasperated. Darry just chuckled. "Let's get a move on," Darry said.

We all drove over to Harley's grandmother's house which always took my breath away when I saw it. Her grandmother fawned over us when we showed up at her house and made sure to take photos of us and said she would make sure we got copies of the pictures. I could see her gaze linger over both Harley and me as she took the photos. She pulled us aside and had Harley and I take photos together as well as Darry, Soda, and I take a brother photo together. We hadn't had a photo of the three of us together in a long time. The gang couldn't wait to hit the Soc side of town though. To my surprise, no one was looking at us. Then I saw Harley stop dead in her tracks and turn white like she had seen a ghost.

"What's the matter?" I asked Harley with concern. "Ford," Harley whispered scared. This caused me to freeze. This will not end well, but I can't show that because it will just freak Harley out even more. I looked ahead further and sure enough, there was Ford and his football Soc buddies. "Why did you guys stop?" Two-Bit asked, his voice starting to slur with too much alcohol. "Ford and his pack," I said. "It's ok guys," Darry said. "As long as we don't provoke them, we will be fine." He said it like he was sure of himself but I could tell in his voice that he was scared too and didn't want another fight to break up which could cause our family to be separated. Then I saw Ford turn our way and scowl. Oh no, this isn't good.

"Well, well, well," Ford said with a slur. "If it ain't my baby sister and her group of misfits." What did he just call us? Ford's drunk. The last time I encountered a drunk Soc, it ended up with me and Johnny on the run and a dead Soc. I gulped. "Trying to fit in, or are you making fun of us?" Ford said with anger brimming in his eyes. "We are just pretending to be someone we aren't for tonight, just the same as everybody else," Darry said to try and reason with Ford. It doesn't seem to be working though. "It doesn't look like it," Ford said with a sneer. Then I saw Ken put a hand on Ford's shoulder to try and calm him down. So he must be the Randy of the group. "Just leave them alone, it's just an innocent joke Ford," Ken said softly. Please just listen to him Ford, just listen to him. "Won't don't you listen to your friend," Steve said with a sneer like he read my mind. Ford took a step forward to what appeared to aim at Steve but then pivoted, looked between me and Harley, smiled, and punched me in the gut. He must have connected the dots in our coordinated outfits and realized we were together. He had eyes. I doubled over in pain and I saw spots dance in my vision "Don't you dare touch him!" I heard Harley shriek. The next thing I knew it was a fallout rumble as Harley jumped onto Ford's back and started pounding on his head with all her might. I had never seen her this angry before. It looked hot, but it also scared me that she had all this pent-up anger. "This is between you and me!" Harley roared. The Soc gang had joined in and started it with our gang. I found myself a Soc and started going to town. The next thing I knew it I heard a wail of police sirens. Shit….Shit….We need to go now. This caused everyone to break apart and run for the hills.

We all arrived back at the house all worse for wear, but I was mostly concerned about Harley because of the blood dripping from her nose and the multiple cuts and bruises that were starting to form on her face. But before I could say anything, Harley had pulled me into Soda and I's room and started fussing over me like I was five. "You feeling ok," Harley asked me with concern as Ishepatched up some cuts on his face and brushed away a tear. When did I start crying, this is embarrassing to do in front of her. I should be the one to comfort her. "I'm ok, I'll be ok," I said with a whisper. "I was scared, mostly for you. "How are you feeling?" I asked trying to redirect the conversation to her. Harley seemed to be surprised that I had asked her which made my heart stop because it was almost like no one had ever shown concern for her. "I'm fine, nothing I haven't dealt with before," Harley said with a sigh. That broke my heart that she had to with it before. "I just need you to be more concerned about yourselves. You know the whole gang cares about you and we love you. I love you Ponyboy." Harley continued. I looked at Harley in shock. Did she just say I love you? "I love you too," I said. The next thing knew Harley and I were kissing.

The next thing I knew I heard Soda gagging. "Get a room guys," Soda said. "We do have a room," I shot back. Harley started to blush. "I'll give you guys some space," Harley mumbled and rushed to the bathroom to clean up. I shot daggers at Soda with my eyes. Then Darry walked in behind Soda. "Is everything ok?" Darry asked with concern in his eyes. "I just saw Harley run out of here red in the face to the bathroom. "Just walked into those two going to town on each other," Soda said waggling his eyebrows. Darry looked at me with wide eyes. "Do I need to have a conversation with you Pony about protection?" Darry asked in a serious tone. "Not that!" I shrieked. "We were just kissing," I said with a blush. Soda cackled. Darry just rolled his eyes sat down on the bed and looked me over. "You doing ok little buddy?" Darry asked me with concern. "I'm fine, Darry," I said reassuringly. "Harley patched me up." "You know that's not what I mean," Darry said softly. He is thinking about the rumble last year and the events surrounding last year's rumble. "I'm fine Darry," I whispered. "I promise." Darry seemed to believe me because he let it drop. "How is Motorbike doing?" Soda asked plopping down on the bed. "She seems to be unfazed," I said with a shrug. "She just brushed off the whole thing saying she is used to this kind of thing from Ford." Soda and Darry looked at each other. "It kind of reminds me of Johnny's predicament," I said with a whisper. "Don't you worry, honey," Soda said. "The whole gang is looking after her, including you and your big heart." I nodded and gave Darry and Soda a wry smile.

The rest of the night was a blur. Everyone was talking about the results of the rumble and the punches they landed. All and all it was a good ending for an otherwise eventful Halloween. Harley then got up to leave, but before she left I stopped her. "Thank you for being you Harley," I said to her in her ear. She gave me a small smile with a brush. "Thank you for being you too Pony," Harley whispered and then she kissed me on the cheek and left.